The American Athletic Conference men's basketball coaches picked Memphis to finish second in the league for the 2024-25 season.
The UAB Blazers were picked to finish first in the conference after winning the AAC tournament a year ago and returning the bulk of their roster. The Blazers earned seven first place votes to Memphis' four.
Memphis has now been picked 2nd in five consecutive seasons. Coach Penny Hardaway has never won the league's regular season title.
According to computer predictive metrics, the Tigers are the best team in the AAC by a wide margin. Haslam metrics projects Memphis as the 50th best team in Division 1 with UAB the next from the AAC at 87. Barttorvik slots the Tigers at 32 with UAB at 82.
Given last season's collapse, it is understandable for coaches to have hesitation about picking Memphis to win the league. However, on paper, this is the worst the American has been in its history.
The Tigers are the most talented team in this league, but it will be up to Penny Hardaway, his new staff, and his players to prove the voters wrong.
Two Tigers, PJ Haggerty and Tyrese Hunter, received spots on the preseason first-team all-AAC team, while Colby Rogers earned a second-team nod.
Memphis' Jared Harris also received the preseason AAC freshman of the year award.
The Tigers will begin their 2024-25 season with their first exhibition game on Tuesday, October 11 against North Carolina in the St. Jude Tip-Off Classic.
